Premier League's most underrated players

The 2015/16 Premier League season is one that football fans will never forget. There may well be a couple of games remaining, but it's safe to say that no campaign has ever quite compared to this one.

Leicester City's incredible triumph has, of course, been the highlight, while Chelsea's shocking demise has also surprised the watching world.

It has certainly been a season for players to step up and express themselves: from Player of the Year Riyad Mahrez to Manchester United forward Anthony Martial, a number of exciting and diverse players have starred on English soil this term.

Mahrez and co. have quite rightly hogged the headlines, but there are are always a few players that may have gone slightly under the radar.

Teaming up with fantasy football game DraftKings, we've taken a look at five of the most underrated players this season.

James Milner

In all honesty, there's a case to include James Milner on this type of list most years. The England international, who signed for Liverpool on a free transfer from rivals Manchester City in the summer, has quickly established himself as a prominent member of Jurgen Klopp's side.

It's clear for all to see that the enigmatic German coach rates the versatile midfielder very highly indeed. Not only does Milner run more than any other player, but his statistics are as good - if not better - than his teammates.

One DraftKings statistic proves just often Milner attempts to influence play: he has delivered a huge 217 crosses and provided a very respectable 13 assists.

But that's not all he contributes: six goals from 40 shots isn't bad going, while he has also racked up 59 tackles and 43 interceptions.

Daley Blind

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has been criticised for many things throughout the course of the season, but his handling of Daley Blind has to be appreciated.

Blind, who operated in midfield and at full-back for United last season, has played a prominent role at centre-back for the Red Devils this term.

And the Dutchman has been extremely impressive. While England international Chris Smalling has taken many plaudits, Blind has gone about his duties admirably.

Only north London outfit Tottenham have a better defensive record than the Van Gaal's side this term and Blind deserves credit for his side's success at the back.

As per DraftKings, Blind has won 77 tackles and made an impressive 89 interceptions. He's a true reader of the game and his intelligence has quickly helped him become a top quality defender.

The 26-year-old, who has only been yellow carded on three occasions all season, should only get better over the coming seasons.

Shane Long

Shane Long is quickly establishing himself as an integral player for Ronald Koeman's Southampton and it's not hard to see why.

One of the most hard-working forwards in England's elite division, the former Reading man never fails to give his all.

But it must be noted that he backs up his desire and hunger with quality. According to DraftKings, Long has netted 10 goals from his 22 shots on target this term, while he has also drawn 38 fouls.

Long will happily star out wide or up front and you can always be sure that he will produce the required performance.

Christian Fuchs

Leicester City stars have been rightly praised throughout the course of the campaign: Riyad Mahrez, Jamie Vardy and N'Golo Kante have been absolutely terrific, but it would be foolish to disregard defender Christian Fuchs when discussing the Foxes' most important players.

The experienced full-back was an astute signing for the new Premier League champions and his DraftKings statistics prove that notion.

Indeed, Fuchs has won 73 tackles and racked up 91 interceptions to help keep opposing forwards away from Kasper Schmeichel's goal. Fuchs is a champion and deserves to be.

Nacho Monreal

Arsenal's season may well have ended with disappointment, but it has been a memorable one for Nacho Monreal.

He has well and truly made the left-back position his own at the Emirates while producing the goods on a consistent basis.

There should no underestimating just how steady he has been: DraftKings show that he has won more fouls (42) than given away (31) throughout the course of the season, while he has also recorded as many as 110 interceptions. That's not bad going.

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